Basketball season has arrived across Mississippi and at least two local teams got off to a winning start over the weekend.
In Saturday’s Hound Dog Classic at Tupelo High School, Independence picked up a 42-34 victory against Saltillo, opening the season at 1-0. The Lady Kats led 15-11 at the end of the opening quarter and outscored the Lady Tigers 14-10 over the course of the second period, earning a 29-21 halftime advantage.
From there, defense became the story for both teams, as neither squad scored more than eight points in the next two periods. Independence narrowly edged Saltillo 6-5 in the third quarter and the Lady Tigers outscored IHS 8-7 over the final eight minutes of regulation. Despite the lack of offense, however, Independence was able to hang on for the eight-point victory.
Nakyiah Walker led the Lady Kats with 20 points, followed by nine from Kamiya Stephens.
Meanwhile in Houston, the Senatobia boys took on Aberdeen in the Bruce Franks Tipoff Classic and used a strong first quarter effort to pull out the 46-32 victory. The Warriors led 17-6 entering the second period and despite being edged 10-8 in the quarter, Senatobia still took a 25-16 lead into the halftime break.
Senatobia performed well to open the second half, outpacing the Bulldogs by a 13-8 margin in the third quarter. Aberdeen was held to just 16 points the entire second half, as the Warriors pulled away for the victory.
Chase Echols scored 10 points for the Warriors, earning Player of the Game honors, as awarded by event host Houston High School.
With the victories, both Senatobia boys and Independence girls open their respective seasons at 1-0. Senatobia will join the Lady Warriors in hosting Holly Springs for the home openers on Tuesday, November 1 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Independence will host county rival Strayhorn on Tuesday, November 1 at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
